Should the India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match Proceed?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court has ruled that the match should proceed.
- The PIL raises significant concerns about national sentiment.
- Arguments highlight the tension between sports and national security.
- The match is set against a backdrop of recent terrorist incidents.
- Public sentiment continues to play a critical role in the discourse.
New Delhi, Sep 11 (NationPress) The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to grant an immediate hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) that called for the cancellation of the India-Pakistan Asia Cup T20 cricket match set to take place in Dubai on September 14.
Despite arguments stating that since the match is on Sunday, the plea would become irrelevant if not addressed by Friday, a panel of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and Vijay Bishnoi remarked, “The match is this Sunday? What can we do about that? Let it be. The match should go on!”
The petitioners’ attorney argued for at least a hearing, regardless of the strength of the case. However, Justice Maheshwari's panel maintained that the match should proceed.
This PIL, submitted by four law students, contended that hosting a cricket match with Pakistan shortly after the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor would send a message that contradicts national dignity and public sentiment.
The plea emphasized that participating in sports with Pakistan—a country that supports terrorism—diminishes the morale of the Armed Forces and causes distress to the families of martyrs and terrorism victims.
Moreover, it claimed that cricket should not take precedence over national interests, the safety of citizens, or the sacrifices made by armed personnel.
“This T20 match could also hurt the sentiments of the families of those who lost their lives due to Pakistani terrorism. The nation's dignity and citizen safety must come before entertainment. Continuing with this match is detrimental to our national security, integrity, and morale,” the PIL expressed.
Additionally, it argued that a match between India and Pakistan suggests that entertainment and revenue are being prioritized over the lives of our courageous soldiers and civilians.
“This planned match is nothing short of a mockery to the emotions of every Indian citizen. It is crucial to take measures to place the BCCI under the oversight of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,” the plea concluded.